During the 1950s, the
threat of a nuclear war and the consequent fallout loomed over the heads of
Americans. This coincided with the fear of communism infiltrating the country and
only compounded upon the already-present hysteria. This panic caused the
Federal Civil Defense Administration to create a program to educate the public
on how to deal with the potential nuclear disaster. Pamphlets and booklets were
handed out to the citizens with detailed instructions ranging from building an
actual fallout shelter to creating meal disaster kits to be eaten while in that
shelter. The government was focused on both preparedness and civilian education
about nuclear emergencies.
One such pamphlet was created to teach Americans how and
why their vehicles were an important vessel to combat nuclear blasts from the
air, somehow. The car was to be used to escape any incoming danger, and the
pamphlet suggested family cars be kept at high standards of efficiency. For
example, the gas tank should have been over half full at all times, and the tires
needed to be properly inflated in case of emergency. The gasoline being almost
full was due to the uncertainty of filling up a vehicle after a nuclear emergency.
Interestingly enough, the car itself could also be used for protection from
nuclear attacks, according to an atomic explosions test at the time. The windows
were to be rolled down and the family was to lay down below the level of the
windows, so they did not face the immediate blast. The radio in the vehicle was
also an important communications tool to receive information from the
government following an emergency. Finally, similar to today, the cars could be
used to evacuate areas as necessary; instructions on how to be a courteous
driver while escaping nuclear blasts and fallouts were included as well.
Civil Defense Circulars
and Directives, 1955-1961, State Archives Series 151, Federal Civil Defense
Administration. Ohio History Connection, Columbus, Ohio.
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